What are Small Groups?

Small groups are gatherings of approximately 5-12 people who are committed to meeting together on a regular basis to share in fellowship, Bible study, prayer and service. Many small groups meet regularly each week in our church community. We believe that groups create opportunities to grow in each of the following three vital relationships:

Discipleship
Maturing followers are continually pursuing an intimate relationship with God through Christ.

Community
Maturing believers are growing in community with other believers through spending time together, encouraging one another, and supporting one another.

Outreach
Maturing believers are reaching out to embrace people with grace and truth so that they also might have an intimate relationship with God through Christ.

You will notice that these three areas correspond well with the vision of NSCBC to be “a community of believers where, with God's help, each person has a growing passion to love and follow Jesus Christ, characterized by a deepening knowledge of God, involvement in biblical community, and participation in efforts to reconcile others to the Lord.”

What kinds of groups are there?
We have groups gathered based on shared affinities (young couples, men, women, youth, college-aged, newlyweds, fathers). We also have groups centered around content (Bible studies, book studies, accountability). Some small groups are neighborhood groups and gather based on geographical location. No matter what your interest or needs, we look forward to helping you get connected with a group!

How often do groups meet?
Most groups meet once a week, though some occasionally adjust that schedule to the needs of the group members. Many groups at NSCBC alter their meeting times (or do not meet at all) during the summer.

How long does each group gathering last?
Each group chooses the length of time they will meet. However, most groups meet for an hour and a half to two hours

What is the average lifespan of a group?
Groups initially commit to meet for 4–6 weeks as a trial period. After this time, the group members decide if they want to continue meeting together for an additional 12-24 months. At this point, the group will generally become “closed” to allow for maximum growth and intimacy, keeping in mind that the group will eventually multiply and create new groups.

What does it mean when a group "ends" or "multiplies?"
We want more and more people to experience this kind of authentic community! During the term of the group, the leader will identify at least one person who could lead a new group. At the end of the group, the leader will take half the current group, and the apprentice (after becoming an approved leader) will take the other half of the group. Then they will both add more members to their respective new groups, therefore allowing others to join groups with seasoned leaders!

North Shore Community Baptist Church

Embracing people with Grace and Truth

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